Mala: A Meditation Tool with Intention
Mala necklaces are used for Japa Mala meditations. They are primarily comprised of Rudraksha, which are dried seeds of a tree, which grows in select locations of South East Asia. They are also called the “Tears of Shiva” and there are many legends connected to Lord Shiva that describe its origin. The word Rudraksha comes from "Rudra" (name of Shiva) and "Aksha" which means tears.
Mala necklaces are used to help keep focus and concentration during meditation. They serve to support in maintaining physical and mental balance. For spiritual seekers, it also supports enhancing one’s spiritual growth, by connection to your personal intention.
Rudraksha beads have subtle electromagnetic properties which help in managing stress levels, blood pressure, and hypertension and induce tranquility if worn on the body. Rudraksha Beads also improve concentration, focus, and mental stamina. If worn continuously and with mantra practice, they elevate one to the alpha state of mind, a state where the heartbeat, blood circulation, the function of endocrine glands, the activity of neurons, and breathing are normalized.
DIVINE BRILLIANCE MALAS
Mala necklaces made by Divine Brilliance also contain a variety of colored natural stones and minerals to aid in the energetic vibration of the intention with which it was made. The Mala necklace pictured contains Blue Sponge Quartz, Amethyst, Rose, Quartz, Sesame Jasper, and genuine Rudraksha beads. The intention with which this was created, was to provide the recipient with a sense of love, self-love, compassion, self-expression, expression of truth, wisdom, Divinity, and connection to a higher power.
THE NECKLACE & HOW TO USE IT IN MEDITATION
The mala necklace typically has 108 beads plus one, which is the largest at the bottom called the guru bead (or bindhu bead).
A mala is usually worked with by using the right hand. The mala is held resting over the third finger of the right hand, and the beads are brought toward you, one by one, using the thumb. Each bead counts as one repetition of the mantra of your choosing. When you get around to the guru bead, you don’t count it, and you don’t pass it; you stop there, mentally bow to the guru, flip the mala around, and start going back the other way. Each time you come to the guru bead you awaken once more, then you turn around and go back the way you came.
Malas made by Divine Brilliance usually have one charm, or a different colored bead on the right side to indicate your initial direction. It's useful for times when you can only complete one direction of the Japa Mala Meditation.
A mantra is a tool you can use to transport the mind to a state of ease or stillness and to support feelings of connection to whatever it is you're experiencing currently. Choosing the right mantra for you can be very personal, however, if you've never recited mantras before, or aren't sure where to start, here is a short list of some of my favorites!
MANTRAS IN ENGLISH
INTENTION | MANTRA/AFFIRMATION |
Gratitude | Thank You! (YES! This is a mantra.) |
A Compassionate Heart | "My heart is full of unconditional love and understanding" |
Confidence | "I am divinely guided." |
ho'oponopono (Hawaiian Mantra) | "I love you. I'm Sorry. Forgive me. Thank You" |
Worthiness | "I am enough" |
Abundance | "Money comes to me easily." |
Self-Esteem with Romance | "I attract a love equal or greater than the love I have to give." |
MANTRAS IN SANSKRIT
Reciting mantras in Sanskrit takes your intention to a WHOLE different level. Literally a different energetic vibration. Sanskrit is an ancient and classical language of India in which the very first book of the world, the Rigveda was compiled. The Vedas are dated by different scholars from 6500 B.C. to 1500 B.C. Sanskrit is significant not just because it is an ancient and grammatically refined language but also because the sounds of Sanskrit words perfectly match the vibration of what they represent.
However, if reciting or chanting in Sanskrit isn't quite your jam, you'll be pleased to know that even by hearing such words or chants you're also receiving the vibrations, and many of the mantras, listed below have audio tracks/songs available on your audio streaming app of choice. Over time you may grow more comfortable with it, and naturally start chanting/singing your mantras in Sanskrit. It truly is a beautiful language!
INTENTION | MANTRA |
Compassion, Love, Forgiveness, Healing | "Om Mani Padme Hum" |
Inner Harmony and Tranquility | "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" (om peace peace peace) |
Abundance, Wealth & Prosperity | "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha" |
Connection to higher-self | "Om Namah Shivaya" |
Happiness and Well-being | "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" |
Mental Peace, Tranquility, Happiness | "OM" (by itself pronounced A-U-M in 3 parts) |
Protection, Safety, Unconditional Support | "So Hum" |
